The 1976 Bicentennial quarter is one of the most recognizable U.S. coins ever produced. Featuring a colonial drummer on the reverse and the dual date 1776–1976, it was minted to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary. While hundreds of millions were made and most are worth only face value, some rare versions and errors are still circulating today and can be worth far more.
Collectors continue to search pocket change, old jars, and inherited collections for these valuable Bicentennial quarters.
1. 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter
One of the most desirable Bicentennial quarters is the 1976-S silver issue. Unlike regular quarters made of copper-nickel, this version contains 40% silver.
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Minted in San Francisco
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Originally sold in special collector sets
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Occasionally escapes into circulation
Value:
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Worn examples: $8–$15
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Proof or high-grade coins: $50–$300+
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Perfect graded specimens: $1,000 or more
How to spot it:
Check the edge — silver coins lack the brown copper stripe found on clad quarters.
2. 1976-S Silver Uncirculated Quarter
This coin looks similar to regular circulation quarters but is also made of 40% silver. It was struck as a business-strike coin rather than a proof.
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Slightly softer strike than proofs
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Silver content boosts collector value
Value range: $10 to $250 depending on condition
These coins are harder to identify but are highly sought after when authenticated.
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3. Double Die Error Bicentennial Quarters
Some Bicentennial quarters were struck using misaligned dies, causing doubling in the design. These errors are among the most valuable finds.
Common areas to check:
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“LIBERTY”
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“IN GOD WE TRUST”
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The dual date “1776–1976”
Value:
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Minor doubling: $100–$300
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Strong, clear doubling: $1,000+
Always use a magnifying glass and avoid confusing true doubling with machine doubling.
4. High-Grade 1976-D and No-Mintmark Quarters
Most Bicentennial quarters came from Philadelphia (no mintmark) and Denver (D). While common in circulated condition, perfect or near-perfect examples are surprisingly valuable.
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MS67 or higher grades are scarce
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Many coins were heavily circulated over decades
Value:
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Typical circulated coins: 25¢
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High-grade uncirculated coins: $100–$500+
Condition is everything for these common-date coins.
5. Major Mint Errors Worth Big Money
Some Bicentennial quarters left the Mint with dramatic mistakes that can command high prices.
Notable errors include:
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Off-center strikes
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Missing clad layer errors
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Wrong planchet strikes
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Clipped planchets
Value range:
$75 for minor errors to several thousand dollars for rare, authenticated mistakes
Coins with obvious visual errors are especially popular with collectors.
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How to Check Your Bicentennial Quarters
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Examine the edge for silver content
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Look closely for doubling or missing details
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Avoid cleaning — it reduces value
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Store coins safely to preserve condition
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Consider professional grading for rare finds
Final Thoughts
Most 1976 Bicentennial quarters in circulation are worth only face value, but silver issues, rare errors, and high-grade examples can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Because many of these coins are still circulating, anyone could stumble upon a valuable piece of American history.
Before spending that Bicentennial quarter, take a closer look — it might be more valuable than you think.
